What are Elder Orphans? Older adults who become physically or socially isolated while lacking a family member to care for them are Elder Orphans. A 2012 study found that about one third of adults ages 45 to 63 are single, either by divorce or by choice.
While 69 percent of Americans will need long-term care later in life, only 37 percent think they will. The importance of preventing isolation in seniors is discussed in this U.S. News article, which talks about “Elder Orphans”and aging alone. Elder Orphans need to have a plan. They need to be able to answer the question: “Who will we turn to later in life when we need care?” Planning should take place prior to the need for care.
There are ways Elder Orphans can prepare for old age in advance. One way is to hire a Licensed Fiduciary like Arizona Elder Care to be their agent on Powers of Attorney (medical, financial, and mental health), Successor Trustee, and/or Personal Representative. This enables a plan to be in place so that the Elder Orphan can have an advocate when they need it who knows exactly what they will want and need as they age. A Licensed Fiduciary can also take an Elder Orphan to doctor’s appointments, help them stay at home with caregiver support, or set up any support they need for continued quality of life.
Another way an Elder Orphan can prepare for end of life care is to start saving early on and by investing in Long Term Care insurance, which can offer reimbursement for caregiver support or living in an Assisted Living facility (depending on the policy). An Elder Orphan may want to choose a community ahead of time where one will age like an assisted living or group home, which can feel like a surrogate family and a safety net.
The most important thing is planning ahead for a crisis. Don’t wait until the need for care becomes urgent and you have to scramble to find help. It is less expensive in the long run to plan ahead and to have a support system already in place.